The Denver Broncos head into the Saints showdown with a clean slate on several depth spots, turning each snap into a make-or-break audition. Key players to watch include Keidron Smith, Eyioma Uwazurike, Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime, all fighting for spots behind the Denver starters. The defensive backs room is crowded, with Surtain II, Riley Moss, Ja’Quan McMillan, Jahdae Barron and Kris Abrams-Draine locks at corner, leaving a final DB spot up for grabs that Smith appears poised to win thanks to his versatility and special-teams impact.

Eyioma Uwazurike is stapled to rotational trenches, coming off a strong week where he logged significant defensive snaps. The last cut could come down to Uwazurike vs. Jordan Jackson for the final defensive-line roster spot, a decision that could shape depth on Payton’s front. On offense, Jaleel McLaughlin’s speed in outside-zone looks fits Denver’s scheme, giving him a real chance to carve out a third-down role or a change-of-pace carry behind Dobbins and Harvey in 2025. Estime remains a name to watch as roster decisions loom late in the preseason, with a few depth backs in the balance and potential special-teams value left on the line.

Bottom line: this game isn’t about stars so much as who sticks as a depth piece. The Saints present a stern test, and Denver’s ability to identify a few hidden gems could determine the roster and even hint at fantasy upside for a few players who could surge if given opportunities in relief roles. Broncos Country should be watching the reps closely for roster and fantasy signals alike.

The Denver Broncos are faced with tough roster decisions as they approach the preseason cuts. With a current roster of about 55 players vying for 18 spots, several candidates could be traded to simplify these choices. Top trade prospects include cornerback Damarri Mathis, who, despite impressive skills, may be overshadowed by stronger competition like Pat Surtain and Jahdae Barron. Running back Jaleel McLaughlin finds himself in a similar situation, as he competes with standout veterans J.K. Dobbins and R.J. Harvey. Other potential trade pieces include safety Devon Key, defensive lineman Jordan Jackson, and safety JL Skinner, all of whom are at risk of being cut due to a surplus at their respective positions. As the Broncos gear up for their preseason opener against the San Francisco 49ers, expect trade buzz to escalate in the lead-up to the final roster deadline.

Defensive back Devon Key, wearing number 26 for the Denver Broncos, is in a fierce competition for a spot on the special teams unit. Key, a Western Kentucky alum, has shown promise through his college career, including significant statistics like 350 total tackles and six interceptions. After signing as an undrafted free agent in 2021, he spent time on the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad and later joined the Atlanta Falcons, before finding his place in Denver midway through the 2022 season.

In his tenure with the Broncos, Key participated in 18 games, with 16 during the 2024 regular season. His performance was respectable with 33 tackles, including one sack and a notable 22 percent of defensive snaps in play. As he battles for his role in a competitive roster, Key's ability to contribute on special teams will be crucial for his future.

Devon Key has been signed by the Denver Broncos to a one-year exclusive rights free agent tender worth $960,000. Key, a safety standing at 6-0 and weighing 208 pounds, entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021. After a brief period with the Atlanta Falcons, he joined the Broncos' practice squad in 2022. In the most recent season, Key showed his potential by appearing in all 17 games, making two starts, accumulating 33 tackles, and securing one sack.

Alongside Key, the Broncos have also extended ERFA tenders to other players including cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian, outside linebacker Dondrea Tillman, tight end Lucas Krull, and defensive lineman Jordan Jackson. Key's performance last season positioned him as a valuable rotational player, reflecting the Broncos' strategy of retaining young talents to solidify their defense.

The Denver Broncos are making strategic moves as they prepare for the 2025 NFL free agency. They have officially tendered contracts to all five of their exclusive-rights free agents: Dondrea Tillman, Ja'Quan McMillian, Devon Key, Jordan Jackson, and Lucas Krull. This allows the Broncos to retain these players for the upcoming season at minimum salaries while maintaining flexibility for future roster adjustments.

Among these players, Tillman, who recorded 23 tackles and five sacks last season, has been praised for his physicality and work ethic behind All-Pro linebacker Nik Bonitto. McMillian, a key contributor in the secondary, has 15 pass breakups and four interceptions in his career thus far. The team's decision to move forward with these players indicates their commitment to building depth and competition across various positions.